The Lists of Your Life

Something strange happened in the middle of my cancer journey. I started reflecting a lot on my life. Reflecting on your life during cancer isn't necessarily strange, but the strange part was my urge to write out a ton of lists. I became obsessed with writing out lists.

As I began to reflect, I started thinking about all the things that I didn't get a chance to do in life. I am typically a glass-half-full type of guy, so, naturally, instead of making a list of all the things I didn't get a chance to do in my life, I made two separate lists.

Creating a life inventory

First, I listed all the things I was able to do up until the point in my life where I got diagnosed with cancer. Visited Paris, to see the Eiffel tower, check, get married and have kids, check, meet my favorite singer - Lauryn Hill, check. I rushed to finish that list, and as soon as I did, I made a list of all the things I didn't get a chance to do.

Writing my cancer bucket list

This was the real list, the original list I had in mind.
1. Take a trip to Tokyo.
2. Learn piano.
3 See Paul McCartney, one of the last Beatles, in concert.
4. See a band called No Doubt.
5. See a singer named Brandy in concert.
6. See a singer named Monica in concert.

When I got to number six, I realized my list was mostly about concerts.

Turning goals into reality during recovery

So, as soon as I became physically stronger and was on the road to recovery from cancer, I started booking concerts to attend in the near future. I booked a concert here and a concert there. This past year, I have had the opportunity to attend more concerts than I have in a single year before! Numbers 5 and 6 on my list, I finally checked off, and in a few weeks, I will be able to check off number 4 because I just purchased a ticket for one of their shows in Las Vegas. The anticipation!

Why organizing memories is therapeutic

The lists didn't stop there. As I said, I became obsessed with writing out lists. I wrote a list of 100 of my favorite movies so my children would know which ones I enjoyed watching. I used ChatGPT to create a nice infographic of all 100. My next list was obviously about books that left an impact on my life, because I love books (well, mostly audiobooks these days). Then I wrote a list of all the helpers in my life: teachers, nurses, family members, and friends who have helped me at some point. Then I went back to music, and I listed the 14 albums that changed my life. Why 14? That was just the number of albums that have changed my life so far. It was such a fun list to make.

Moving beyond the standard to-do list

If you think about it, most humans are only familiar with two types of lists. The two most common lists are: My To-Do List and My Grocery List. So boring, right? I mean, aren't our lives worth more than 2 lists? What type of list are you thinking of writing down right now? Is it a list of your favorite restaurants? Your favorite places to visit? A list of the pets you had in your life? Today, I encourage you to write down the lists of your life.

Finding inspiration in Nora Ephron

But before this article ends and before I come up with another list, it wouldn't be right not to mention the person whose list deeply inspired me. A few years back, I watched a documentary called Everything Is Copy. This documentary was about the life and work of writer and filmmaker Nora Ephron. She is the brilliant mind behind films such as Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, and When Harry Met Sally, to name a few. In this documentary, I learned that in 2012, she compiled a list called "What I'll Miss, What I Won't Miss." So I Googled it and read Nora's simple yet profound list. Her list left a lasting impact on me and probably started my whole obsession with list writing. If you want someone to blame, blame her. Her one specific list, after reading it, beautifully increased my gratitude and appreciation for the gift of life. Google it, I promise you it is worth the read.

So again, make your list(s). Make as little or as many lists as you want to make. Make a list of silly complaints, wants, favorite songs, favorite memories, etc., etc., etc. Go ahead, what are you waiting for?